University spokeswoman Joan Todd told The Star Press (http://tspne.ws/16ArEIO ) that as a concession, the new policy allows people to smoke in their cars with the windows rolled up. But it eliminates designated outdoor smoking areas that the school had established in 2008.

The school banned smoking in residence halls in 1993, smoking from all buildings in 1998 and banned smoking within 30 feet of the entrances to campus buildings in 2004.

About 15 percent of Ball State students and 24 percent of Ball State employees are smokers.